Magazine device for a firearm

ABSTRACT

A magazine device for a firearm is disclosed herein. The magazine device comprises a generally curved elongate casing, a spring-loaded follower frame, a lighting element, and a multiple transparent windows. The follower frame is configured to traverse from a lower end of the casing to an upper end of the casing in predetermined positions according to the depletion of ammunition positioned on each follower frame. The lighting element is housed proximal to a rear section of the follower frame, where the lighting element is configured to illuminate the vicinity of the follower frame. The transparent windows are positioned on the casing, in alignment with the predetermined positions of the follower frame, where the transparent windows are configured to display the level and number of ammunition left in the follower frame after a firing process.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to magazines used in firearms. More specifically the present invention relates to an improved magazine with an ammunition indication system for indicating the used or remaining number of rounds in the magazine.

BACKGROUND

In the art of firearms, ammunition magazines are very popular. The basic construction of the ammunition magazine is a restraint shell with dual open ends. One of the ends is considered as the floor end of the magazine and is protected by a base plate while the opposing end of the dual ends is functional as the feeder end. Here, the feeder end is in alignment with the axis of the firearm. Inside the space provided by the protective shell and plate, is a spring and follower assembly, where the spring is used to move the follower along a predefined track in an upward direction from the floor end of the magazine according to the depletion of ammunition during a firing cycle. That is, when ammunition is loaded into the magazine, the ammunition plunges the follower down towards the floor end and therefore compresses the spring. During the firing process from the firearm, when one cartridge of ammunition is consumed, the compressed spring is relieved to a certain extent, and this pushes the follower and the linked ammunition upwards toward the feeder end. By this, the next round of ammunition is thus made ready for firing.

However, most of the conventional magazines have several drawbacks. In one of such conventional magazines, the guide rails within the magazine are designed to interface with the follower component, which makes the operation complicated. In this case, there are chances for the ammunition to be misaligned since the focus is more on interfacing of the guide rails with the follower rather than proper positioning of the ammunition. In another case, an ammunition indication system, which indicates the depleted level of ammunition in the magazine, is comprised of at least one window with a noticeable marker on the follower spring. When the marker is on the follower spring, it becomes difficult for a user to see the marker properly. In addition, identifying the amount of ammunition based on the marker would be inaccurate. In another instance, the follower and magazine casing are designed to interface to prevent the follower from popping out of the magazine. Here also, the focus is not on the safe positioning of the ammunition but on the positioning of the follower within the magazine, which makes such magazines less efficient in indicating ammunition.

In most of the conventional magazines, the slide locking floor plate of the magazine goes around the outside lower end of the magazine, and covers the magazine at the lower end, which causes protrusions to the outer surface of the magazine. That is, such magazines comprising such conventional floor plate, has essentially a ¼ inches of lip that wraps around the base of the magazine. Thus, when a user is using such magazines, these lips tend to interfere while handling the magazine or while they are stacked together during storage. Magazines without a streamlined profile interfere with each other when retrieving a magazine from the magazine pouch. Further, such design modifications can also bulk up the size of the magazine as well which makes it less desirable to be used with a variety of firearms. Most conventional magazines comprise electronic components, which display parameters, such as, the level of ammunition, number of ammunition, etc. means it requires some sort of battery power. There is a need for a magazine apparatus, which can address and resolve the above-mentioned problems and disadvantages.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A magazine device for a firearm is disclosed herein. The magazine device comprises a generally curved elongate casing, a spring-loaded follower frame, a lighting element and multiple transparent windows. The lighting element will be used along with light reflecting elements such as reflective coatings, fiber optics, etc., to achieve the desired effect. The follower frame is configured to traverse from a lower end of the casing to an upper end of the casing in predetermined positions according to the depletion of ammunition positioned on each follower frame. The lighting element is housed proximal to a rear section of the follower frame, where the lighting element is configured to illuminate the vicinity of the follower frame. The transparent windows are positioned on the casing, in alignment with the predetermined positions of the follower frame, where the transparent windows are configured to display the level and number of ammunition left in the follower frame after a firing process.

In an embodiment, the magazine device further comprises a base plate positioned at a lower end of the casing, where the base plate ensures that the casing is flat to a ground level. Therefore, a user is allowed to position the firearm flat on the ground to support the firearm on ground. In an embodiment, the casing comprises an internal groove positioned at the lower end of the casing to attach the base plate to the casing. In an embodiment, the lighting element is positioned in a capsule member housed in the rear section of the follower frame, where the capsule member comprises openings to display the light emitted from the lighting element. In an embodiment, the magazine device further comprises a light diffuser element positioned within the capsule member proximal to the lighting element, where the light diffuser element is configured to evenly spread the light emitted from the lighting element. The base plate also features “tread” to grip surface, and the fact that it is longer than traditional base plates, renders the “base plate retainer” piece from being accidentally pressed causing the magazine to come apart. User needs to use a screwdriver or a 5.56 round to depress the base plate retainer button.

In an embodiment, the magazine device further comprises an engraved portion positioned on the surface of the elongate casing, where the engraved portion is configured to be colored by a user to represent one or combination of alphabets and numbers. Additionally these engraved portions were strategically placed near the bottom of the magazine for grip and control when retrieving the magazine from the magazine pouch since most users place their magazines with the ejection end facing down inside a magazine holster or pouch. In an embodiment, the transparent windows comprise pairs of transparent windows positioned adjacent to each other, and arranged in a series from the upper end to the lower end of the casing. One of each pair of the transparent windows comprise a slit window and a circular window. The slit window is configured to display the lighting element, thereby displaying the level of ammunition left in the follower frame after a firing. The circular window is positioned adjacently below the slit window, where the circular window is configured to display the number of ammunition left in the magazine device after the firing. In an embodiment, the magazine device further comprises light filters in contact with the lighting element configured to block specific light bands, and change the intensity and color of the circular window, and the appearance of the high slit window.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the magazine device.

FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the portion marked A in FIG. 1A, showing the engraved portion positioned on the casing.

FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the portion marked B in FIG. 1A, showing the circular window of the transparent windows.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the portion marked C in FIG. 1A, showing the lighting element positioned within the casing.

FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the capsule member, which houses the lighting element.

FIG. 4A exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the follower frame, which houses the lighting element at a rear section.

FIG. 4B exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the follower frame, which houses the lighting element at a rear section.

FIG. 5A exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the base plate of the magazine device.

FIG. 5B exemplarily illustrates a bottom view of the base plate of the magazine device.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1A exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the magazine device. The magazine device 100 for a firearm is disclosed herein. The magazine device 100 comprises a generally curved elongate casing 101, a spring-loaded follower frame 102, a lighting element 107 as shown in FIG. 1B, and a multiple transparent windows 103 and 104. The follower frame 102 is configured to traverse from a lower end 101 a of the casing 101 to an upper end 101 b of the casing 101 in predetermined positions according to the depletion of ammunition 400 positioned on each follower frame 102. The lighting element 107 is housed proximal to a rear section of the follower frame 102, where the lighting element 107 is configured to illuminate the vicinity of the follower frame 102. The transparent windows 103 and 104 are positioned on the casing 101, in alignment with the predetermined positions of the follower frame 102, where the transparent windows 103 and 104 are configured to display the level and number of ammunition 400 left in the follower frame 102 after a firing process.

In an embodiment, the magazine device 100 further comprises a base plate 105 positioned at a lower end 101 a of the casing 101, where the base plate 105 ensures that the casing 101 is flat to a ground level. Therefore, a user is allowed to position the firearm flat on the ground to support the firearm on ground. In an embodiment, the casing 101 comprises an internal groove 101 c positioned at the lower end 101 a of the casing 101 to attach the base plate 105 to the casing 101. The base plate 105 also comprises a “tread” to grip the surface. The fact that the base plate 105 is longer than traditional base plates renders the “base plate retainer” piece cannot be accidentally pressed causing the magazine to come apart. User needs to use a screwdriver or a 5.56 round to depress the base plate retainer button. In an embodiment, the transparent windows 103 and 104 comprise pairs of transparent windows 103 and 104 positioned adjacent to each other, and arranged in a series from the upper end 101 b to the lower end 101 a of the casing 101. One of each pair of the transparent windows 103 and 104 comprise a slit window 103 and a circular window 104. The slit window 103 is configured to display the lighting element 107, thereby displaying the level of ammunition 400 left in the follower frame 102 after a firing. The circular window 104 is positioned adjacently below the slit window 103, where the circular window 104 is configured to display the number of ammunition 400 left in the magazine device 100 after the firing.

FIG. 1B exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the portion marked A in FIG. 1A, showing the engraved portion 106 positioned on the casing. In an embodiment, the magazine device 100 further comprises an engraved portion 106 positioned on the surface of the elongate casing 101, where the engraved portion 106 is configured to be colored by a user to represent one or combination of alphabets and numbers. The user can either inscribe his/her name, or any number to indicate a reference of ownership, make, and identification code in the engraved portion 106 of the magazine device 100. Additionally the engraved portion 106 is strategically placed near the bottom of the magazine 100 for grip and control when retrieving the magazine 100 from the magazine pouch since most users place their magazines with the ejection end facing down inside a magazine holster or pouch

FIG. 1C exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the portion marked B in FIG. 1A, showing the circular window 104 of the transparent windows 103 and 104. Each circular window 104 has a number embossed on it, for example, a fully loaded magazine device 100 at the 30 round mark will have 5 smaller windows surrounding it, at the 25 round window mark there will be only 4 small windows and so on until you have 5 rounds left which will have zero smaller window 104 a surrounding the main circular window 104. For example, the number 25 is shown inside the circular window 104, as shown in FIG. 1C, which is considered as the round window mark for that level of ammunition 400.

FIG. 2 exemplarily illustrates an enlarged view of the portion marked C in FIG. 1A, showing the lighting element 107 positioned within the casing 101. The lighting element 107 is positioned substantially rearwardly to the casing 101, and it is configured to be displayed through the slit window 103. The lighting element 107 is further configured to illuminate the circular window 104 as well to display the round window mark as shown in FIG. 1C. The lighting element 107 may be used along with light reflecting elements such as reflective coatings, fiber optics, etc., to achieve the desired effect.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 4A-4B, FIG. 3 exemplarily illustrates a top perspective view of the capsule member 108, which houses the lighting element 107, and FIG. 4A-4B exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view, and a top perspective view of the follower frame 102, which houses the lighting element 107 at a rear section. In an embodiment, the lighting element 107 is positioned in a capsule member 108 housed in the rear section 102 a of the follower frame 102, where the capsule member 108 comprises openings 108 a and 108 b to display the light emitted from the lighting element 107. In an embodiment, the magazine device 100 further comprises a light diffuser element 109 positioned within the capsule member 108 proximal to the lighting element 107, where the light diffuser element 109 is configured to evenly spread the light emitted from the lighting element 107. In an embodiment, the magazine device 100 further comprises light filters in contact with the lighting element 107 configured to block specific light bands, and change the intensity and color of the circular window 104, and the appearance of the high slit window 103.

This magazine device 100 is designed, for example, to hold about 30 numbers of 5.56 mm bullets. The outer housing of the magazine device 100 is host to 6 uniquely designed and precisely placed pairs of transparent windows 103 and 104. These transparent windows 103 and 104 are used for illustrating the exact remaining amount of ammunition 400 left in the magazine device 100. Each unique transparent window 103 and 104 will have an embossed number representation of the round count or circular window 104 on it. Additionally, the 6 transparent windows 103 and 104 will have smaller windows 104 a orbiting the main window 104. This is the second method used to keep track of the ammunition 400.

Even though conventional magazines in the market have windows, the magazine device 100 disclosed herein eliminates any confusion as to how much ammunition 400 is left in the magazine device 100. Located within the follower frame 102, is the capsule member 108 that contains the lighting element 107 that supports the accurate tracking off ammunition 400 and works in conjunction with the previously mentioned transparent windows 103 and 104 of the magazine device 100. The capsule member 108 houses the lighting element 107, such as, a tritium light or other light producing technology. This will provide a distinct and obvious indication of the amount of ammunition 400 you have in your magazine device 100 through the previously mentioned transparent windows 103 and 104. Furthermore, there will be several interchangeable light filters that can be placed in front of the lighting source to change the appearance of the light, red, green, blue, infrared, etc. No other magazine on the market uses light to indicate the ammunition 400 count. Some of them have color coated the spine which is a less accurate method. Others such magazines have changed the color of the follower element to achieve accurate counting of ammunition 400.

The angular guide rails within the magazine device 100 are designed to position ammunition 400. The follower frame 102 is configured to interface within the casing 101 rather than the guide rails alone, as in conventional magazines. The transparent windows 103 and 104, which are configured to function, as an ammunition 400 indication system is, comprised of different types of uniquely designed windows, such as the slit window 103 and the circular window 104, to eliminate any confusion for the user regarding the current ammunition 400 capacity of the magazine device 100. The number of ammunition 400, for example, bullets, corresponding to the current round count will be embossed on each circular window 104. The capacity of ammunition 400 at each instance of the movement of the follower frame 102 in the magazine device 100 is clearly identified as opposing to the conventional magazines. As compared to the conventional magazines, the marking system provided by the transparent windows 103 and 104 is larger and more visible, and is positioned on the follower frame 102 itself as compared to the spring in conventional magazines. The marking system used here based on the lighting element 107, which is, for example, either one or a combination of a tritium lighting material, a high visibility coating, a bright polymer or other light producing technologies across different bands of light.

The follower frame 102 is also designed to stop at the upper end 101 b of the casing 101 when all ammunition 400 is removed after firing from the magazine device 100. This magazine device 100 uses spring tension to press a second component, or ammunition 400, through a circular fitting to secure the base plate 105. The magazine device 100 is designed to slide on from the bottom, and interfaces with internal grooves 101 c to position itself, as shown in FIG. 1A. Therefore, the magazine device 100 will not add additional protrusions to the outer surface of the magazine device 100, as compared to conventional magazines, which have protruded ends. In conventional systems, there is a slight problem with attempting to draw a magazine with an externally mounted floor plate from a pouch or stacking them on top of each other. It can cause a displacement of surrounding magazines. The magazine device 100 has a consisted width/depth throughout the entire length of the magazine device 100, and all its components. The magazine device 100 allows for a flat and even stacking of magazines in any magazine pouch. It will also improve handling of the ammunition 400 while maintaining its functionality.

Referring to FIGS. 5A-5B, FIG. 5A exemplarily illustrates a side perspective view of the base plate 105 of the magazine device 100, and FIG. 5B exemplarily illustrates a bottom view of the base plate 105 of the magazine device 100. The base plate 105 is positioned at a lower end 101 a of the casing 101 as shown in FIG. 1A, and the base plate 105 is configured to ensure that the casing 101 is flatly positioned on the ground level. This flat positioning via the base plate 105 allows the firearm to be flat on the ground to support the firearm on ground. The base plate 105 has a slim stream line design, which is non protruding, to increase comfort and the users overall ability to handle the magazine device 100. Another aspect of the magazine device 100 is that, it can be stacked in a magazine pouch next to other magazine devices 100 without interfering with the other magazine devices 100 when the user attempts to draw a magazine device 100. Conventional magazines have, for example, a ¼ inch lip that wraps around the base of the magazine. The protrusions 110, or treads, on the magazine device 100 disclosed here, would not interfere with resting or supporting the magazine device 100 on the floor. The firearm or rifle, on the other hand, is parallel to the floor based on the predefined angle 111 at which the base plate 105 is designed a shown in FIG. 5A.

The magazine device 100 is streamlined and is not bulky to facilitate better handling and manipulation of the magazine device 100 while drawing it from a holster and also when inserting it into a firearm. Since the round indicating system comprising the transparent windows 103 and 104 is contained within the magazine device 100, and then further within the follower frame 102, there is no protrusion that will cause an interference while handling the magazine device 100. The magazine device 100 requires no power, and so that a user will never have to attempt to disassemble any component of the magazine device 100 to replace a power source during the life span of the magazine device 100, since the material composite of the magazine device 100 comprising the tritium vial will take at least 10-15 years to expire. There are no moving parts involved in the magazine device 100 that are needed to accurately display the correct amount of ammunition 400. This also means that the magazine device 100 does not have the potential to break or wear down as mechanical and electronic devises have.

The light filters will be compartmentalized under the follower to allow the user to quickly and easily change the lighting output to meet the desired needs of the user. In an example, magazine device 100 will allow the user to quickly change a light filter disc to meet the desired light output and even block out all light completely. In the magazine device 100, the tritium or over high visibility device is placed in such a position under the follower frame 102 that no structural material will have to be removed from the casing 101 of the magazine device 100. The casing 101 designed for the magazine device 100 is configured in such a way that there is no possible way it can be damaged during the expending of ammunition 400 from the magazine device 100, and it will be protected within the follower frame 102 away from any potentially hazardous interference.

Additionally, outputting light from either side of the magazine device 100, for example, left side and the right side, facilitates the user for quicker and easier manipulation of the firearm to view the current ammunition 400 capacity. Essentially the magazine device 100 would allow the user to easily identify the amount of ammunition 400 in the magazine device 100 from either side of the magazine rather than attempting to view the transparent windows 103 and 104, or the marker, from an awkward position of the magazine device 100 while in operation. The magazine device 100 will feature, for example, an accurate 0-30 ammunition 400 count, due to the fact that there is an unmistakable unique window identifying system that illustrates the current ammunition 400 capacity utilizing two different methods. In a first method, where the number corresponding to the current ammunition 400 capacity embossed at the circular window 104, and in a second method where the uniquely designed slit window 103 shows the level of depletion of ammunition 400 as the follower frame 102 ascends to the upper end 101 b of the casing 101 of the magazine device 100. An additional third method comprises, a light or high visibility marking component placed inside the follower frame 102 that identifies the ammunition 400 capacity.

The foregoing examples have been provided merely for the purpose of explanation and are in no way to be construed as limiting of the present concept disclosed herein. While the concept has been described with reference to various embodiments, it is understood that the words, which have been used herein, are words of description and illustration, rather than words of limitation. Further, although the concept has been described herein with reference to particular means, materials, and embodiments, the concept is not intended to be limited to the particulars disclosed herein; rather, the concept extends to all functionally equivalent structures, methods and uses, such as are within the scope of the appended claims. Those skilled in the art, having the benefit of the teachings of this specification, may affect numerous modifications thereto and changes may be made without departing from the scope and spirit of the concept in its aspects. 

1. A magazine device for a firearm, comprising: a generally curved elongate casing; a spring loaded follower frame configured to traverse from a lower end of the casing to an upper end of the casing in predetermined positions according to the depletion of ammunition positioned on each follower frame; a lighting element housed proximal to a rear section of the follower frame, wherein the lighting element is configured to illuminate the vicinity of the follower frame; a plurality of transparent windows positioned on the casing, in alignment with the predetermined positions of the follower frame, wherein the transparent windows are configured to display the level and number of ammunition left in the follower frame after a firing process.
 2. The magazine device of claim 1, further comprising a base plate positioned at a lower end of the casing, wherein the base plate ensures that the casing is flat to a ground level, wherein a user is allowed to position the firearm flat on the ground to support the firearm on ground.
 3. The magazine device of claim 2, wherein the casing comprises an internal groove positioned at the lower end of the casing, to attach the base plate to the casing.
 4. The magazine device of claim 1, wherein the lighting element is positioned in a capsule member housed in the rear section of the follower frame, wherein the capsule member comprises openings to display the light emitted from the lighting element.
 5. The magazine device of claim 4, further comprising a light diffuser element positioned within the capsule member proximal to the lighting element, wherein the light diffuser element is configured to evenly spread the light emitted from the lighting element.
 6. The magazine device of claim 1, further comprising an engraved portion positioned on the surface of the elongate casing, wherein the engraved portion is configured to be colored by a user to represent one or combination of alphabets and numbers.
 7. The magazine device of claim 1, wherein the plurality of transparent windows comprise pairs of transparent windows positioned adjacent to each other, and arranged in a series from the upper end to the lower end of the casing, one of each pair of the transparent windows comprise: a slit window configured to display the lighting element, thereby displaying the level of ammunition left in the follower frame after a firing; and a circular window positioned adjacently below the slit window, wherein the circular window is configured to display the number of ammunition left in the magazine device after the firing.
 8. The magazine device of claim 7, further comprising light filters in contact with the lighting element configured to block specific light bands, and change the intensity and color of the circular window, and the appearance of the high slit window. 